Flights to Rome

For an aperitif in the sunshine

Try the rooftop bar at The First Luxury Art Hotel or the amazing terrace at Gran Melia Rome.

Susan, Destination Manager, European Cities.

Discover the hidden treasures of Rome

There are so many things to do in Rome that one visit is never enough. Explore ancient ruins and historic sights, admire beautiful Italian Renaissance architecture and enjoy flavourful Roman cuisine.

Rome is a metropolitan destination that offers an array of sightseeing options, many of which are free. Holiday itineraries in Rome may centre around the ruins of the Roman Forum or focus on a tour of the Vatican City. Yet it’s the discovery of atmospheric traditional trattorias, trendy boutiques or hidden architectural gems that leave lasting impressions.

Explore historic Rome

Tours of ancient Rome start at the Roman Forum and The Colosseum – we’d recommend booking an experience to get to grips with its fascinating history. Admire the angels that guard the Castel Sant’Angelo and the stunning architecture of The Pantheon – just walk through the enormous open door and look up. There is a lot to see in Vatican City, including Michelangelo's magnificent artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Hit the shops

The bustling areas around the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are great for upscale shopping and certainly attract the crowds. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy shopping in Rome. Join the locals on Via Giubbonari and enjoy retail therapy on a budget in the Pantheon area. Explore foodie heaven, Campo De Fiori, or splash out and get yourself some shoes made – the perfect Rome souvenir.

Take in the sights

Sightseeing in Rome starts in Piazza Navona. This pedestrian square is home to curvaceous architecture, chic cafes and elaborate fountains. The Campo De Fiori is a lively area, with colourful market stalls, whilst The Spanish Steps is usually abuzz with people and musicians. If you want to avoid the crowds, see the sights at night – when the Trevi Fountain looks spectacular. Climb up Aventine Hill for spectacular views over Rome and look through The Aventine Keyhole for a perfectly framed glimpse of the Vatican.

Enjoy the foodie scene

Taste the best Italian coffee in Rome at La Tazza d’Oro in Centro Storico or sample some traditional Italian gelato–Giolitti in Via Uffici del Vicario is the place to go. From Michelin-starred eateries in Centro Storico to traditional trattorias and trendy wine bars in Travestere, you can enjoy delectable Italian food whatever your budget. The streets of Prati are lined with wine bars, whilst Tridente is a dining hotspot and the linen covered tables at Quiinal Hill provide a great atmosphere. Why not join the locals and enjoy a picnic around one of the city’s fountains?

Tips from a Ventoura Local

Locals can unlock the best secrets of your destination and let you experience their city unlike any tourist. We caught up with Lawrence, a local with a passion for Rome and his classic Italian Vespa. Check out his recommendations for the complete Rome experience, or connect with him on the Ventoura app for iPhone and Android.

Take a walk during la passeggiata

Hit Rome’s cobblestone streets at dusk to take part in the Italian tradition of la passeggiata, which literally translates to “the walk”. This is a time when Romans wander the streets to spend time with family, see friends, and impress in their best garb. As the sun dips towards the horizon, change into your best clothes and take to the streets to truly live Rome like a local.

Taste authentic gelato

Those with a sweet tooth know that trying some of Italy’s most famous dessert is an absolute must, but knowing where to go in Rome to get the best is a true secret. Venture outside the city centre to Gori Gelato in the Montesacro district, which offers authentic Italian gelato without the sky-high prices you’ll find near the Colloseum. Treat your palate to unusual flavours (think cardamom and rice, or buckwheat) that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Watch a gig in Monti

Monti is one of Rome’s most bohemian suburbs, with Blackmarket the premier live music venue that has a keen eye for the nostalgic and kitsch. For the true Italian experience grab a bite to eat during apertivo time in the early evening, before performances from local and international acts start. Blackmarket is also a creative and artistic hub, playing host to exhibitions and cinema nights alongside intimate concerts. It’s a venue packed with people and charm, from the quirky lampshades to the retro posters that adorn its walls, it’s undoubtedly one of Rome’s coolest venues.

Experience the riverside during LungoIl Tevere

As the weather heats up the Romans emerge to party at the LungoIl Tevere, a summer-long festival celebrating Roman art, food, and film. With market stalls tightly lining over a mile of the Tiber River’s banks, and everything from pizza to porchetta on offer, there’s no risk of going hungry. It’s the ultimate event on the Roman calendar that sees the riverside and Tiber Island illuminated with fairylights and brought to life with festivity. From my studies I know all about Rome's rich history and I love exploring the city. If you want someone to lead the way, find me on the Ventoura app for iPhone and Android.

Top 10 recommended Rome experiences

Complete your trip by booking your sightseeing before you go

Great-value and convenient - there is no better way to see the sights of Rome than on a hop-on hop-off bus. See top sights such as Vatican City, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. The buses are open-top, giving you fantastic 360-degree views as you travel through the city. You can hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like at any of the eight stops and choose a 24, 48 or 72 hour ticket.

Explore one of the world's greatest museum complexes at your own pace. Skip the queues with this fast-track ticket and enjoy more time seeing sites like Raphael's Rooms and the Sistine Chapel - home to Michelangelo's 'The Last Judgement' fresco'. An Aladdin's cave, the Vatican Museums teem with history at every turn, glistening with magnificent Renaissance art and architecture. Your ticket enables you to stay for as long or little as you want, meaning you can see as much of the art-filled rooms as your heart desires.

Experience the full glory of Rome's Colosseum on a unique, small-group tour with skip-the-line entry. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll gain access to areas of the Colosseum that are normally off-limits. Enjoy private viewings of the underground chambers, arena and upper level, and then head to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for unforgettable views of Ancient Rome. Numbers are limited to 12 people, ensuring you'll get the most out of your Rome experience.

Explore Rome and Vatican City at ease with the Rome Card and Omnia Vatican Card - two must-have 3-day sightseeing passes that include entry to selected attractions, discounts and more. Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica with the Omnia Card, and use the Rome Card for entry to two out of five possible attractions such as the Colosseum. Other features of the Rome Card include a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, a central Rome travelcard,guidebook and map.

See the highlights of Rome on this unforgettable day of sightseeing. This small-group, full-day Rome super saver experience starts with a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome, including the incredible Roman Forum. After your first tour, explore independently before spending your afternoon on a leisurely walking tour past top Rome attractions, such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Numbers are limited to 25 people to ensure you receive a small-group experience.

Take a walk through Rome's 2,000 years of history with an expert guide - who'll bring the past alive. On this fascinating half-day tour, you'll have a hands-on history lesson at key ancient sites, which include the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon. These entertaining and informative three-hour walking tours are often led by skilled archaeologists, who will help unlock Rome's many secrets.

See the best of St Peter's Basilica on this comprehensive walking tour, which lasts 1.5-hours. Led by a knowledgeable Vatican guide, your tour starts with a leisurely walk around St Peter's Square, before continuing into St Peter's Basilica with your priority-access ticket. As you walk - hear tales of the popes, pilgrims and legendary artists who, throughout history, have helped make St Peter's Basilica the awe-inspiring place it is today. Numbers are limited to 20 people, to ensure you enjoy a personalised experience.

See the sights of Rome at night on this illuminating evening tour. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city by motor coach, and discover the magic of Rome's most famous monuments lit at night. During the approximate two-hour tour, your local guide will regale you with interesting commentary and Roman history. You'll see Capitoline Hill, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Castel Sant'Angelo, St Peter's Basilica and the district of Trastevere. You'll also make a stop at the Trevi Fountain – make sure you throw in a coin.

Rise early and visit the Sistine Chapel before the doors are opened to the public – it’s an early start but it’ll be well worth it when you see the Renaissance treasures without the crowds. After gazing in wonder at Michelangelo's 'The Last Judgement' fresco and other astounding works of art, head inside the Vatican Museums, bypassing all the entrance lines outside. Then, spend as long as you want inside, exploring independently with a map and seeing highlights like Raphael's Rooms and more.

Enjoy this full-day experience and discover the history, art and archaeology of Naples and Pompeii. Your journey takes you from Rome to the Gulf of Naples, where Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. Take in the scenery as you travel along the Highway of the Sun. Spend some time exploring Naples’ city centre, before continuing across the valley of Mount Vesuvius. Once in Pompeii you’ll enjoy lunch and conclude your experience with a two-hour walking tour of the ancient city of Pompeii.